The Political Dynamics of Justice Reform in The U.S.

oad noses, and full lips, receive longer sentences than their lighter skinned
counterparts with Eurocentric features.
Broken Windows Policing
Broken windows policing, or quality of life policing, is based on a criminological theory
known as broken windows theory. This theory suggests that repairing broken windows
in buildings and other form of physical disorder within a city indicate whether or not
there is crime. When translated to policing tactics, minor offenses are targeted as a way
to deter greater, more serious crime. Reformers point to the ways that broken windows
policing negatively impacts communities of color through criminalization and excessive
force. Additionally, it is typically seen as responsible for over policing and the
militarization of neighborhoods. Offenses such as drug possession, “suspicious”
activities or mental health crises often lead to the characterization of a neighborhood as
disorderly and in need of stronger policing.
Opponents of broken windows policing and theory suggest that this leads to the
inherent criminalization of poor, minority and homeless individuals. It creates a stigma
that reinforces the underlying problems that lead to the perception of crime within the
neighborhood. Additionally, those that oppose the theory suggest that these issues are
improperly addressed by law enforcement and instead should be treated by social
workers or healthcare professionals.
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